Charge/discharge rectifiers of the type Wärtsilä JOVYREC HC16CH were developed for conventional, diesel-driven submarines. The microprocessor-controlled charge / discharge rectifier can be deployed to charge or discharge submarine traction batteries fully automatic and gently up to 950 VDC with current up to 3000 A. During charging process these systems function as load rectifiers, during discharging of the battery as line-commutated inverter. During discharge the discharged energy is fed economically back into the grid – this saves energy costs and protects our environment.

Systems of the type Wärtsilä JOVYREC HC16CH are available in three different designs: the control cabinet version is designed for installation in electrical operating rooms within permanent buildings. For mobile application and medium power performance a weather-resistant trailer is available, in which the converter is mounted. For more power performance and mobile application mounting in standard steel container is feasible, optionally also available with undercarriages. The container can be equipped with storage devices for cable, charging plugs and distillation units. The additional installation of a single-cell treatment unit, the Wärtsilä JOVYREC HC16 ACT, is feasible too.

Significant feature of the charge / discharge rectifiers is a fully controlled thyristor bridge with B12C circuit. The switching from charge to discharge mode or vice versa is effected by means of contactors. The charge or discharge data are selectable in steps. In case that grid failure occurs during feeding back into the grid a special DC high-speed switch ensures necessary short-circuit protection.

The systems are programmable therefore the charging processes of submarine batteries can be automated. The very low residual ripple of the DC voltage and high control precision allow gentle and reactivating charging. Furthermore, the systems can be deployed as constant electrical load in order to discharge batteries. With the respective characteristics up to 96 hours charge / discharge time are programmable.

Products of the Wärtsilä JOVYREC HC16CH series are designed for customer-specific applications. Wärtsilä JOVYATLAS already has implemented numerous charging stations according to most various clients’ requests and has well-known customer references in submarine ports worldwide. For the following submarine types Wärtsilä JOVYATLAS delivers charging systems: U205 / U206 / U209 / U212 / U214 / Kilo Class / Dolphin Class and Scorpene submarines. Our engineers develop a clearly structured design concept for each specific application. As a rule we also deliver components for the installation of the infrastructure, e.g. switchover devices and junction boxes. Gladly we assist as competent partner already in the planning phase.